Method for generating t cells progenitors

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an in vitro method to generate T cell progenitors, comprising the step of culturing CD34+ cells in a medium containing TNF-alpha and/or an antagonist of the Aryl hydro-carbon/Dioxin receptor, in particular StemRegenin 1 (SR1), in presence of a Notch ligand and optionally a fibronectin fragment.

The invention relates to the field of cell therapy, in particular of hematopoietic stem cells graft, transformed or not, and more particularly of immune reconstitution after such graft.

Graft of progenitor and Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cell (HSPC) is considered the best therapeutic option for the most severe hereditary immune deficiencies, for many malignant hemopathies, as well as for a number of solid tumors.

Currently, in allograft situations with partial HLA incompatibility, the injections, to previously conditioned recipients, of increasing doses of sorted CD34+ HSPC allows donor transplantation with effective prevention of graft-versus-host disease (GVH). Nevertheless, the differentiation of new T lymphocytes from the injected CD34+ cells requires a minimum period of 4 months and these T lymphocytes are in sufficient number to play a protective role against infections only a few months after their appearance.

This slowness of immune reconstitution leads to numerous infectious complications especially viral, but also to relapses, which influence the long-term prognosis of the grafted patients.

In addition, other therapeutic protocols use a gene therapy approach, namely an autograft of transduced HSPC, which has been shown to be effective in the treatment of certain hereditary immune deficiencies. The advantage of this strategy over HSPC CD34+ allogeneic transplantation is indisputable in terms of survival and morbidity when no HLA-compatible donor is available. Nevertheless, clinical experience has shown that, for some patients with severe infections, reconstitution of the T lymphocyte compartment is slow and never reaches normal levels of circulating T lymphocytes. The morbidity and mortality associated with this particular context are important.

Because of the high morbidity and mortality associated with this type of transplant, the development of novel therapies to reduce the immunodeficiency period after transplantation is fully justified.

In particular, it is important to accelerate the generation of T lymphocytes by the administration of precursors already engaged in the T lymphocyte differentiation pathway (T cell progenitors).

These T cell precursors are obtained from CD34+ HSPC differentiation and have in particular the CD7+ marker, which is a marker of differentiation in the T-cell pathway. They may also have other markers. Awong et al (Blood 2009; 114: 972-982) described the following precursors of T lymphocytes: early thymic progenitor (ETP), which have markers (CD34+/CD45RA+/CD7+), precursor cells at the proT1 stage (CD7++/CD5−), precursor cells at the proT2 stage (CD7++/CD5+), and cells at the preT stage (CD7++/CD5+ CD1a+). The HSPC acquire these markers in a successive way when passing from one stage to the other, over the T cell development pathway. It is further known that in humans, the CD1a antigen distinguishes the passage from a very immature thymic progenitor to a progenitor clearly engaged in the T-pathway (Cavazzana-Calvo et al, MEDECINE/SCIENCES 2006; 22: 151-9).

A T-cell precursors transplant, concomitant with HSPC grafting, would allow the rapid production of a mature and functional T lymphocyte compartment and thus help prevent the risk of severe infections by allowing the patient to benefit from some immunity before complete reconstitution of the immune system.

Moreover, it is important to be able to use adult cells rather than cord blood cells, since it is easier and cheaper to obtain adult cells than cord blood cells and since adult cells are more commonly used in allograft.

However, data published in the literature, obtained in humans and mice, show intrinsic differences between fetal hematopoietic cells (including cord blood) and adult cells. These differences relate to survival, the ability to repair DNA damage, proliferative capacity and potential to differentiate (see, for example, Yuan et al., (2012 Mar. 9; 335 (6073): 1195-200), which Indicate that adult bone marrow cells are less effective than fetal cells in their potential to generate a variety of cell types: Lansdorp et al (J Exp Med 1993 Sep. 1; 178 (3): 787-91); Szilvassy et al (Blood, 2001 Oct. 1, 98 (7): 2108-15), Frassoni et al (Blood, 2003 Aug. 1, 102 (3): 1138-41), Liang et al. 106 (4): 1479-87), Six et al (J Exp Med 2007 Dec. 24, 204 (13): 3085-93)).

WO 2016/055396 describes that it is possible to generate T-cell precursors by culturing CD34+ cells in presence of an immobilized ligand of Notch (in particular the soluble domain of the Delta-like-ligand, fused to a Fc region of an IgG protein), and of a fragment of a fibronectin, containing the RGDS (SEQ ID NO: 3, Arginine-Glycine-Aspartate-Serine) and CS-1 domains, as well as the heparin-binding domain (in particular in the presence of Retronectin®). The Notch ligand used may be referred to as DL4/Fc.

It is to be noted that this document discloses that presence of both the immobilized ligand of Notch, and the fibronectin makes it possible to increase generation of T lymphocytes progenitors (CD7+ cells), which was already an improvement in the art, but that the percentage of CD7+CD34− cells remains quite low, as shown in FIG. 3 of WO 2016/055396. It is however interesting and particularly important to increase this percentage, in order to be able to administer a higher amount of precursor to the patient in need thereof. On the other hand, it is also important that the cells remains at a early stage of differentiation to be able to provide a proper immunity.

It is reminded that Notch proteins are transmembrane receptors that regulate the cellular response to a large number of environmental signals. In mammals, four Notch (Notch 1-4) receptors and five ligands (Delta-like-1, 3, and 4, Jagged1, Jagged2) have been described (Weinmaster Curr Opin Genet Dev 2000: 10: 363-369).

The Delta-like-ligand 4 can be designated as:

-   -   (ii) Delta-like-ligand 4 (corresponding to the name of the DLL4         gene)     -   (iii) Delta-like-4 or Delta ligand 4 (abbreviation DL-4).

In the present application, the Notch Delta-like-1 and Delta-like-4 ligands may be designated respectively by DL1 and DL4 or by DL-1 and DL-4. The sequences of ligands DL-1 and DL-4 are specified as SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 2, respectively.

Ohishi et al (BLOOD, vol. 98, no. 5, 2001, pp 1402-1407) relates to the effect of Notch signaling on monocyte differentiation into macrophages and dendritic cells. The monocyte cells used in the experiments disclosed in this document were either peripheral blood monocytes purified by negative selection, or monocytes obtained after in vitro differentiation of CD34+ stem cells. The cells used in this document have thus entered the monocyte/macrophage/dendritic cells differentiation pathway, have lost the CD34 marker (which is a hematopoietic stem cell marker) and present the CD14 marker. These cells are cultured in presence of the extracellular domain of Delta-1 and GM-CSF, TNF-alpha (which is used to induce the differentiation of CD34+ cell-derived CD1a-CD14+ cells into dendritic cells). This document this doesn't uses CD34+ cells in presence of a Notch ligand and of TNF-alpha and doesn't pertain to the generation of T-cell precursors (CD7+ T lymphocytes precursors).

SHUKLA et al (NATURE METHODS, vol. 14, no. 5, 2017, 531-538) and WO 2017/173551 disclose a method for generating progenitor T cells from stem and/or progenitor cells comprising exposing the stem and/or progenitor cells to Notch ligand Delta-like-4 (DL4) and vascular adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1).

The method described in the present application allows the generation and the increase (proliferation) of number of CD7+ T lymphocyte precursors, from CD34+ stem cells, without using a cell stroma (which can't be easily envisaged in a clinical context). Furthermore, the method is particularly adapted when performed with CD34+ cells issued from adult donors.

Furthermore, the cells obtained through the process as herein disclosed, harbor the Bcl11b marker, which is important transcriptional factor uniquely switched on since T-cell commitment (Kueh et al, 2016, Nat Immunol. 2016 August; 17(8):956-65. doi: 10.1038/ni.3514).

The inventors have also shown absence of rearrangement of the T cell receptors loci (either TCRbeta, TCRgamma or TCRdelta) in the progenitors obtained through the process herein disclosed.

Moreover, a decrease in apoptosis markers was shown, for the precursors herein obtained, as compared to the process disclosed in WO 2016/055396.

In summary, the process herein disclosed makes it possible to obtain a number of T cell precursors high enough to be efficiently used for an adult receiving a stem cells transplant.

This method may also be used to obtain transformed (transduced) T cell precursors for gene therapy, when a vector containing a gene of interest is used at some point during the process herein disclosed.

The cells obtained by the process herein disclosed can be obtained for adult CD34+ cells, and can be used for allogenic grafts or autografts, even when cord blood cells are used for such grafts.

It is to be noted that the method, although very efficient for adult CD34+ cells, may also be used with cord blood CD34+ cells.

In a particular embodiment, the method herein disclosed thus fasten T-cell generation in vivo after injection of T-cell progenitors produced from HSPC in an in vitro culture system, combining an immobilized fusion protein derived from the Notch ligand, Delta-4, Retronectin® and a combination of cytokines.

This system allows, within 7 days, the generation of T-cell progenitors that are phenotypically and molecularly similar to human thymic T-cell precursors. Furthermore, these T-cell progenitors are able to give rise human mature and diverse T-cell in NSG mice, with a faster kinetic as compared to HSPC.

The results herein reported were obtained from both cord blood (CB) and adult (mobilized peripheral blood, mPB from adult donors) HSPC.

The inventors have shown that the amount of T cell precursors can be improved from CD34+ cells by exposing said CD34+ cells to a Notch ligand and in the presence of the soluble TNF-alpha (Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha, Uniprot P01375, RefSeq NP_000585, SEQ ID NO: 8). Said exposure is made under conditions suitable to generate progenitor T cells. Optionally, the cells are also exposed to a fibronectin fragment containing an RDGS motif, and/or a CS-1 motif and optionally a heparin binding domain. Preferably, said fibronectin fragment contains an RDGS motif, a CS-1 motif and a heparin binding domain.

TNF is primarily produced as a 233-amino acid-long type II transmembrane protein arranged in stable homotrimers. The secreted form of human TNF-alpha takes on a triangular pyramid shape, and weighs around 17-kDa.

As disclosed in WO 2016/055396, it is possible to perform the method herein disclosed, using a RGDS peptide and/or a CS-1 peptide in place of the fibronectin fragment. A combined use of the RGDS and CS-1 peptides is preferred, in particular fused in the same protein. Thus, the RGDS and/or CS-1 peptides may be present as such in the culture medium or within a polypeptide or protein present in the culture medium. When the culture medium only contains the RGDS and/or CS-1 peptide as such, one can relate to these as “free” peptide(s) in the culture medium if such peptides are not immobilized on the inner surface of the culture vessel. Indeed, the peptide(s) may be in solution or immobilized on the inner surface of the vessel in which the CD34+ cells are exposed to the immobilized Notch ligand.

However, as indicated above, it is preferred to use a fragment of fibronectin, which contains the RGDS and CS-1 patterns, as well as a heparin-binding domain. The fibronectin fragment may be free in solution or immobilized on the inner surface of the culture container.

The process is performed in vitro, in a container, such as a cell culture plate (Petri dish, 24 well array or the like), preferably with the Notch ligand immobilized on its inner surface. The Notch ligand may, however, be immobilized on any other support present in the culture medium, such as on the surface of beads (in particular microbeads). Immobilization of the Notch ligand is essentially intended to stabilize the ligand, in order to allow activation of the Notch receptor of the CD34+ cells.

By “T cell progenitor”, one intends to designate any cell involved in the differentiation pathway to the T lymphoid pathway from a CD34+ HSPC. This cell is therefore characterized in that it expresses the CD7 marker, which is known to be one of the earliest markers during the lymphopoiesis of the T cells. Depending on the state of differentiation in the T lymphoid pathway, it can express or not the CD34 marker (loss of CD34 during differentiation). Such T cell progenitor may also express or not the CD5 marker.

Among the “T-cell progenitors” are those cells which can be found in the post-natal thymus, i.e. early thymic progenitor (ETP) (CD34+/CD45RA+/CD7+), proT1 cells (CD34+CD45RA+CD7++CD5−CD1a−), proT2 cells (CD34+CD45RA+CD7++CD5+CD1a−) and preT cells (CD34−CD7++/CD5+CD1a+). T-cell receptor (TCR) loci rearrange in a highly ordered way (TCRδ-TCRγ-TCRβ-TCRα). To note, the first functional TCR rearrangements occurs at the CD34−CD7++/CD5+CD1a+ preT cell stage (Dik et al. J Exp Med 2005; 201:1715-1723). T-cell progenitors are well known in the state of the art. They are cited in particular by Reimann et al (STEM CELLS 2012; 30:1771-1780.) and by Awong et al (2009, op.cit.).

The term “RGDS peptide” is intended to designate any peptide or protein that contains the RGDS pattern, so that it can bind integrin VLA-5. Such peptide or protein can be tested for its ability to bind VLA-5 integrin by methods known and reported in the art. RGDS peptide binds to integrin VLA-5 (Very Late Antigen-5), which is a dimer composed of CD49e (alpha5) and CD29 (beta1).

Heparin-binding domains are known in the art and present in numerous proteins that bind to heparin. Their sequence is generally XBBXBX or XBBBXXBX (B=acide amine basique; X=acide amine hydropathique; Cardin and Weintraub, Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 1989; 9:21-32, SEQ ID NO: 4 et SEQ ID NO: 5).

Presence of such a heparin-binding domain is particularly favorable when the CD34+ cells are exposed to a viral (especially a retroviral) vector in order to transduce them and obtain T cell progenitors expressing a transgene.

A CS-1 peptide or CS-1 pattern is a 25 amino acids peptide (DELPQLVTLPHPNLHGPEILDVPST, SEQ ID NO: 6), described by Wayner et al, 1989, J. Cell Biol. 109: 1321). This CS-1 pattern binds to the VLA-4 (Very Late Antigen-4) receptor. This antigen is a dimer integrin, composed of CD49d (alpha 4) and CD29 (beta 1).

In a particular embodiment, the fibronectin fragment is present in the culture medium or immobilized on the inner (in particular the bottom) wall of the container. Fibronectin is a protein, which in its natural form is a v-shaped large dimer of 100 nm long and 460 kDa. The two monomers are connected by two disulfide bridges at their C-terminus. The term “fibronectin” or “fibronectin fragment” is understood to mean the natural fibronectin protein (i.e. any isoform produced by alternative splicing), but also a monomer of this protein, or a fragment of this protein (but containing the peptide RGDS, as well as CS-1 peptide and heparin binding site).

A fibronectin which is particularly suitable for carrying out the process herein disclosed is Retronectin®. This protein corresponds to a fragment of a human fibronectin (CH-296 fragment, Kimizuka et al., J Biochem., 1991 August 110 (2):284-91, Chono et al., J Biochem 2001 September 130 (3):331-4) and contains the three functional domains that are preferred for implementation of the method (the cell-binding C domain containing the RGDS peptide, the heparin-binding domain and the CS-1 sequence). This protein is sold in particular by the company Takara Bio Inc. (Shiga, Japan).

In a particular embodiment, the fibronectin fragment is immobilized (i.e. bound to a solid support and is not present free in solution (although it is possible that certain elements may be found in solution)). This solid support is preferably the bottom wall of the container in which the process is carried out. However, it is also possible to envisage binding the fibronectin fragment to beads, such as polymer or magnetic beads (with a diameter generally comprised between 1 and 5 μm). The binding of the protein or peptide to these beads may or may not be covalent. Methods for attaching a protein or peptide to the beads are known in the art. It is also possible to introduce the fibronectin fragment into a semisolid medium, such as agar or gel.

When the fibronectin fragment is immobilized on the support (in particular the bottom wall of the container in which the process is performed), this immobilization may also be covalent or not. In a preferred embodiment, this immobilization is carried out non-covalently by allowing the fibronectin fragment to be absorbed onto the glass or plastic composing the bottom wall of the container.

In a particular embodiment, as seen above, the differentiation of the CD34+ cells into T-cell progenitors is carried out together with the transduction or transfection (including Nucleofection™, a specific electroporation system developed by Lonza) of the CD34+ cells by means of a vector (such as a viral vector or a nucleic acid fragment such as a plasmid or plasmidic RNA or DNA sequences) in order to introduce a gene of interest (or a system for gene editing) in these cells. This means that the cells exposed to the Notch ligand and the fibronectin fragment, with TNF-alpha, are also exposed to a viral supernatant for at least part of their time of exposure to the Notch ligand and fibronectin fragment, with TNF-alpha.

The teachings of WO 2016/055396 with regards to the operative conditions for performing cell transduction are expressly applicable to the present method and are thus considered as being expressly recited in this application.

One can cite, in particular:

-   -   (iv) Exposure of the cells to the Notch ligand, fibronectine         fragment and TNF-alpha, for some time (preferably more than 4         hours, more preferably more than 6 h, or more than 8 h or 10 h,         but less than 36 h, more preferably less than 30 h or less than         24 h) with appropriate cytokines known in the art and disclosed         in WO 2016/055396, and addition of the viral supernatant for an         appropriate duration (preferably more than 4 hours, more         preferably more than 6 h, 8 h or 10 h, and preferably less than         30 hours, more preferably less than 24 h, more preferably around         16 h).     -   (v) Second transduction if required as taught in WO 2016/055396     -   (vi) Use of this protocol for autologous hematopoietic stem         cells grafts in gene therapy protocols, in order for the         transgene to add a protein that is absent or deficient in the         patient so as to bring a therapeutic benefit.     -   (vii) Usable transgenes: gene correcting immunodeficiencies (in         particular severe combined immunodeficiencies SCID or not, CID),         HIV, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, hemoglobinopathies, in         particular β-thalassemy or sickle cell disease. One can also         use, as the transgene, a gene that codes for a Chimeric Antigen         Receptor (CAR), i.e. a cell surface protein that recognizes a         cell surface protein that is specifically expressed by cancer         cells in order to trigger immune response against the cancer         cells through the engineered CAR-T cells     -   (viii) Preferred use of a viral supernatant to allow insertion         of the transgene within the cell genome, using in particular         lentiviruses known, and described in the art.     -   (ix) Introduction of the viral vector in the cell culture medium         after pre-activation of the CD34+ cells between 4 and 36 h,         preferably between 6 and 24 h     -   (x) Exposure of the cells to the viral vector between 4 and 30         h, preferably between 12 and 24 h, more preferably around 16 h,         and removal of the viral vector (harvesting and washing the         cells, and resuspending these cells in presence of the Notch         ligand, the fibronectin fragment and the TNF-alpha).

As indicated above, in another embodiment, the CD34+ cells are exposed to a system making it possible to perform gene editing. Such systems are now widely known and described in the art and are essentially based on nucleic acid double-break repair. Such genome editing system may use a nuclease selected from the group consisting of meganucleases, zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector-based nucleases (TALEN), and CRISPR-Cas nucleases. The fact that the CD34+ cells proliferate during exposure to the elements as recited above, and thus in presence of TNF-alpha, makes it possible to use these gene editing systems that require proliferation of cells.

In a particular embodiment, the Notch ligand is the Delta-like-1 protein (SEQ ID NO: 1) or a fragment thereof (soluble domain).

In another and preferred embodiment, the Notch ligand is the Delta-like-4 protein (SEQ ID NO: 2).

In a particular embodiment, said Notch ligand is a fusion protein comprising the soluble domain of a natural Notch ligand fused to an Fc region of an IgG protein. As known in the art, the soluble domain of a Notch ligand represents the extracellular portion of said ligand. Varnum-Finney et al (J Cell Sci., 2000 December; 113 Pt 23:4313-8) described a fusion protein of the soluble part of DL-1 with an Fc portion of IGg1. Reimann et al (op cit) described a fusion protein of the soluble part of DL-4 (amino acids 1-526) with the Fc fragment of an IgG2b immunoglobulin. It is thus preferred when the IgG protein is an IgG2. In a preferred embodiment, the sequence of the Notch ligand used in the method herein disclosed is SEQ ID NO: 7. A commercially available product (Sino Biologicals) comprising the extracellular domain (Met 1-Pro 524) of human DLL4 (full-length DLL4 accession number NP_061947.1) fused to the Fc region of human IgG 1 at the C-terminus is a DL4 protein is also suitable for use herein.

The culture medium used in the context of the method herein disclosed is any medium adapted for culturing CD34+ cells and T cells. Mention may in particular be made of α-MEM, DMEM, RPMI 1640, IMDM, BME, McCoy's 5A, StemSpan™, in particular SFII (StemCell Technologies) media or Fischer's medium. StemSpan™ SFII medium contains, in particular, Iscove's MDM, Bovine serum albumin, Recombinant human insulin, Human transferrin (iron-saturated), 2-Mercaptoethanol.

A suitable and preferred culture medium for carrying out the process herein disclosed is the X-VIVO™ medium (Lonza, Basel, Switzerland). This medium was used in particular by Jonuleit et al (Eur J Immunol, 1997, 27, 12, 3135-42) and Luft et al (J Immunol, 1998, 161, 4, 1947-53).

Preferably, a basal medium is used (i.e., which a medium that allows the growth of the cells without the need to add supplements), in which, however, one preferably would add serum, and/or growth factors and cytokines.

Thus, fetal bovine serum (FBS) or fetal calf serum (FCS), autologous human serum or human AB serum is preferably added to the basal culture medium. Preferably, this medium is supplemented with at least 15% of fetal serum, more preferably at least 20%. The FBS is particularly suitable for the implementation of the process. In particular, it is preferred to use defined FBS. The defined FBS is a high-quality serum which has been analyzed and filtered to avoid the presence of viral particles. It is sold as such by many suppliers, such as the HyClone™ Defined Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) of Thermo Scientific™.

In addition to TNF-alpha, the culture medium is also preferably complemented with cytokines and growth factors. These cytokines and growth factors are especially selected from the group consisting of SCF (stem cell factor), thrombopoietin (TPO, also called megakaryocyte growth and development factor, MGDF), Flt3-Ligand (which is a growth factor Hematopoietic), interleukin 3 (IL-3), interleukin 7 (IL-7) and SCF (stem cell factor). In a particular embodiment, the culture medium contains at least three, preferably at least four of these cytokines or growth factors, in addition to TNF-alpha.

In a preferred embodiment, and in particular for the generation of T cell precursors that are not transduced with a viral vector, at least or exactly three cytokines are added. Preferably, these three cytokines are Interleukin-7 (IL-7), SCF (Stem Cell Factor) and Flt-3 Ligand (hematopoietic growth factor).

In another preferred embodiment, four cytokines, i.e. the three cytokines mentioned above and TPO (thrombopoietin) are added.

In another particular embodiment, and in particular for the generation of T cell precursors transduced with a viral vector, the nature of the cytokines and growth factors can be varied during the implementation of the method.

Thus, IL-3, IL-7, SCF, TPO, and Flt3-L can be used in the medium if the step of pre-activating the cells prior to addition of the viral vector, and then supplement the medium only with IL-7, SCF, TPO, and Flt3-L after the vector is removed.

The aforementioned cytokine and growth factor mixtures are sufficient to induce the differentiation of CD34+ cells into T-cell precursors and generally the culture medium comprises no other cytokine or growth factor, except TNF-alpha, which, as described in the examples, makes it possible to increase the number of T cell precursors.

In the process herein foreseen, the total duration of exposure of the CD34+ cells in the presence of the Notch ligand, of the protein or peptide exhibiting the RGDS motif and of TNF-alpha, is generally carried out for a time preferably of more than 3 days and less than 10 days.

This exposure may vary depending on whether the cells are transduced. Thus, an exposure time of three days may be sufficient for adult stem cells not transduced, whereas it will generally be longer for infantile stem cells (about 7 days) or when transduction is performed.

CD34+ cells are obtained from a bone marrow puncture, from umbilical cord blood or from peripheral blood from adult donors, which have been mobilized particularly with G-CSF or any other mobilizing agent known in the art. Methods for sorting CD34+ cells are known in the art. In particular, magnetic beads having an antibody recognizing CD34 on their surface can be used for this purpose.

Preferably, the cell culture vessel is prepared by immobilizing the Notch ligand and the fibronectin fragment on the inner (preferably the lower) surface prior to exposing the CD34+ cells. Retronectin® or other fibronectin naturally adhere to the plastic of the cell culture box (Petri dish or 24-well box, or other). Similarly, if Notch ligand is used as a fusion protein with the Fc fragment of an immunoglobulin, this Fc fragment also adheres to the plastics. It is therefore sufficient to leave the container in the presence of these compounds for a few hours in order to obtain the appropriate coating. A method to coat such culture container with the Notch ligand and the fibronectin fragment is disclosed in details in WO 2016/055396 and can be applied for implementing the method as herein disclosed.

It is reminded that, according to WO 2016/055396, around 75% of DL-4 will adhere to the container surface when 5 μg/ml is used, the optimal dose being higher or equal to 1.25 μg/ml and preferably between 2.5 and 5 μg/ml.

With regards to the fibronectin fragment, a concentration of 25 μg/ml is particularly adapted (especially when Retronectin® is used), although one can use other concentrations (higher or lower).

In the implementation of the process herein disclosed, CD34+ cells are added at a concentration comprised between 10⁶ et 10⁷ cells/ml, in particular around 2×10⁶ CD34+ cells/ml in the culture vessel.

Depending on whether the cells are to be transduced and of the CD34+ cells, one can use a plate of between 2 to 10 cm² (i.e. a plate from 24 to 6 wells). When one uses a 24 wells plate, one adds between 10⁴ and 10⁶ CD34+ cells in each well, preferably from 2×10⁴ to 4×10⁵ CD34+ cells per well. When a 6 well plate is used, one will add between 8×10⁴ and 2×10⁶ cells per well.

The quantity of cells to add is adapted by the person skilled in the art, according to the container used.

The cells are placed in the well, in the selected basal medium, supplemented with TNF-alpha, and preferentially supplemented with growth factors and cytokines, as indicated above.

The concentrations of cytokines or growth factors are between 2 and 300 ng/ml. Preferably, the concentration is higher than 40 ng/I and lower than 300 ng/ml or 200 ng/I, more preferably around 100 ng/ml.

However, when one wishes to generate transduced T cell progenitors, and when the cells are pre-activated before being exposed to the viral vector, one can use higher concentrations (around 300-400 ng/ml). In this embodiment, SCF and Flt3-L can be used at des concentrations in the range of 300 ng/ml, TPO and IL-7 in the range of 100 ng/ml, and IL-3 at about 40 ng/ml.

TNF-alpha is preferably used at a concentration equal or higher than 5 ng/ml. Indeed, as demonstrated in the examples, this low concentration is enough to obtain the proliferation of the T cell precursors, without modifying the differentiation pathway.

However, higher concentrations can also be used. In particular, the TNF-alpha concentration can be as high as 300 ng/ml or 200 ng/ml. An appropriate concentration is around 100 ng/ml. However, other concentrations such as 10 ng/ml, 20 ng/ml or 50 ng/ml are also suitable.

The invention thus relates to an in vitro method for generating T cells precursors comprising the step of culturing CD34+ cells in a suitable medium comprising TNF-alpha and in the presence of an immobilized Notch ligand, and optionally the fibronectin fragment as disclosed above.

The invention thus relates to an in vitro method for expanding T cells precursors comprising the step of culturing CD34+ cells in a suitable medium comprising TNF-alpha and in the presence of an immobilized Notch ligand, and optionally the fibronectin fragment as disclosed above.

Expanding the T cells precursors is intended to mean that there are more T cell precursors than when the TNF-alpha is not used, and/or that there are more T cell precursors than the number of CD34+ cells introduced in the container.

In particular, the T cells precursors obtained by the above methods are CD34−/CD7+/CD5− precursors.

Generally, the cells don't harbor the CD1a marker either.

In a preferred embodiment, the T cells precursors obtained by the above methods are CD34−/CD7+/CD1a− precursors.

This means that the population of T cell precursors obtained by the present method express the CD7 marker, and that more than 80% of the cells expressing this marker have the above phenotype (not expressing

-   -   CD34 and CD1a, or     -   CD34 and CD5, or     -   CD34 and CD1a and CD5),

as analyzed by flow cytometry. This phenotype is generally obtained after 7 days of culture.

As indicated, the CD34+ cells are preferably not cord blood cells. However, the method may also be used with and is applicable to cord blood CD34+ cells, and it also leads to improved results.

The method is particularly interesting when implemented with CD34+ cells that have been isolated from an adult patient. Said patient may be a healthy donor, or a donor with a disease, and particularly for which the cells will be corrected by viral transduction.

The cells may be cultured for more than 3 days, and preferably for at least 5 days, more preferably for at least or exactly 6 days, most preferably for at least or exactly 7 days, although the duration of culture may last longer.

In the method herein disclosed, TNF-alpha is preferably added to the culture medium from day 0 (i.e. at the beginning of CD34+ cells culture) and shall remain present, in the culture medium, for at least three days, and preferably during all the time the cells are culture (i.e. preferably about 7 days).

When performing the method herein disclosed, it is possible to further add StemRegenin 1 (SR1, 4-(2-(2-(Benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)-9-isopropyl-9H-purin-6-ylamino)ethyl)phenol, CAS 1227633-49-10) in the culture medium already containing the TNF-alpha.

The invention also relates to a method for obtaining T cells progenitors, comprising the steps of

-   -   a. performing the method as disclosed above and     -   b. purifying the generated T cells progenitors thereby obtained.

Purification may be performed by washing the cells and resuspending such in a basal medium.

This method may also comprise the step of conditioning the T cells progenitors in a pouch for injection to a patient.

In this case, it is preferred when these cells are reconditioned in a saline solution containing 5% HSA such as Albunorm™ 5% 50 g/L (Octopharma, Lingolsheim, France).

These cells may also be frozen according to methods known in the art.

The invention also relates to a pouch for intravenous injection, containing a population of T cells progenitors (susceptible to be obtained or as obtained by a method as described above), among which the proportion of CD7+ cells in this population is higher than 80%, more preferably higher than 85%.

The invention also relates to a pouch for intravenous injection, containing a population of CD7+ T cells progenitors (susceptible to be obtained or as obtained by a method as described above), where the proportion of CD34− and CD5− cells (cells that are CD7+ and both CD34− and CD5−) in this population is higher than 80%, more preferably higher than 85%.

The invention also relates to a pouch for intravenous injection, containing a population of CD7+ T cells progenitors (susceptible to be obtained or as obtained by a method as described above), where the proportion of CD34− cells (cells that are CD7+ and CD34−) in this population is higher than 50%, more preferably higher than 60%. Furthermore, at least 80%, and more preferably at least 85% of the cells in this population are CD1a− cells.

The invention also relates to an in vitro method for obtaining transformed T-cells progenitors, comprising the steps of

-   -   a. culturing CD34+ cells in a suitable medium comprising         TNF-alpha and in the presence of an immobilized Notch ligand     -   b. exposing the cells to a vector intended for transfection or         transduction of CD34+ cells.

As disclosed above, and after steps of washing and culturing again the cells, transformed T-cells progenitors (expressing a transgene, integrated within their genome) are obtained.

The invention also relates to an in vitro method for obtaining modified T-cells progenitors, comprising the steps of

-   -   a. culturing CD34+ cells in a medium comprising TNF-alpha and in         the presence of an immobilized Notch ligand     -   b. exposing the cells to a vector or a nucleid acid sequence         containing the element appropriate for gene editing at least for         some time during cell culture.

Thereby T cells progenitors modified by gene editing are obtained, after potential steps of washing and culturing.

The invention also relates to T cells progenitors, in particular as obtained by the method herein disclosed, for their use in an immunosuppressed patient, in particular for allowing immune reconstitution in this patient and/or obtaining an immune protection against infections in said patient, during a period of some months (at least two months, preferably at least six months).

In a particular embodiment, the patient is an immunosuppressed patient. The reasons for the deficiency may be multiple: hereditary immune deficiency, chemotherapy for leukemia, conditioning, graft containing only stem cells, post-graft treatment for prophylaxis of GVH (graft-versus-host disease), age of patient, and complications such as infections.

In particular, the patient can be immunosuppressed due to the depletion of its immune cells following therapy before hematopoietic stem cells transplantation. In this embodiment, the graft may be an allograft (in this case, the T cell progenitors are preferably derived from a partially HLA-compatible donor), or an autograft (in which case the T cell progenitors have preferentially being transformed by a vector in order to express a gene and/or a protein making it possible to correct a genetic defect in said patient).

The T cell progenitors are preferably a population of CD7+ cells (i.e. a population where at least 75%, more preferably at least 80% of cells in the population express the CD7 marker). This population is also part of the invention. In particular, it is susceptible to be obtained by a method herein disclosed. In a specific embodiment, it is obtained by a method herein disclosed.

More specifically, the T cell progenitors are preferably a population of CD7+ cells (i.e. a population where at least 75%, more preferably at least 80% of cells in the population express the CD7 marker) where the proportion of CD34− and CD5− cells (cells that are CD7+ and both CD34− and CD5−) in this population is higher than 80%, more preferably higher than 85%. This population is also part of the invention. In particular, it is susceptible to be obtained by a method herein disclosed. In a specific embodiment, it is obtained by a method herein disclosed.

In another embodiment, the T cell progenitors are preferably a population of CD7+ cells (i.e. a population where at least 75%, more preferably at least 80% of cells in the population express the CD7 marker). In this population, more than 50%, more preferably more than 60% of cells don't express the CD34 marker. In this population at least 80%, more preferably at least 85% of cells don't express the CD1a marker. The proportion of CD7+ CD1a− cells in this population is preferably at least 80%. This population is also part of the invention. In particular, it is susceptible to be obtained by a method herein disclosed. In a specific embodiment, it is obtained by a method herein disclosed.

In order to determine whether a cell is positive or not to a surface marker (CD7, CD34, CD5 or CD1a), one shall use any method known in the art, and in particular flow cytometry, after the cells have been marked with fluorescent antibodies directed against the surface antigen. The principle is that a signal will be emitted, for each cell of the population, with a given intensity, and cells are considered as positive for the antigen if the signal is higher than a given threshold.

For CD34: a control population consisting of a population of HPSC (such as one isolated from cord blood or from mobilized peripheral blood) is used to determine the appropriate thresholds. In this population of cells, the cells are CD34+ CD7− CD5−, or CD34+ CD7− CD1a−. With this control, it is possible to determine threshold for each antigen that will be used to determine whether cells in another population are positive or not for these antigens.

The control population generally will contain around 90% of CD34+ CD7− CD5−, or of CD34+ CD7− CD1a− hematopoietic stem cells. The threshold is the signal intensity level for which the cells of the population can be sorted in a 90/10 proportion.

For CD7 (resp. CD5 or CD1a): a control population is used, obtained by isolation of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) by any technique known in the art, and in particular a density gradient technique such as Ficoll-Paque PLUS (GE Healthcare Life Sciences). CD7 (resp. CD5 or CD1a) positive cells are isolated using any technique known in the art such as the MACS® technique (Magnetic Cell Isolation and Cell Separation, Miltenyi Biotec) which uses magnetic beads with anti-CD7 (resp. anti.CD5 or anti-CD1a) antibody. In this population, the cells will essentially be CD7+ (resp. CD5+ or CD1a+), it is believed that the proportion would be around 90/10.

The thresholds for assessing whether a cell is positive to a surface antigen are determined using the control population for this antigen, and would be the intensity for which more than 90% of the cells of the control population have a higher signal intensity.

Consequently, a cell is considered as being positive for an antigen if the intensity signal for this antigen is higher than the threshold as determined above, and negative for the antigen if the intensity signal for this antigen is lower than the threshold as determined above.

The fact that the vast majority of T cell progenitors in the population don't express the CD1a marker may prove to be favorable, as cells expressing this CD1a marker may not be very efficient to reach the thymus and may thus be as efficient as CD1a− cells for in vivo repopulation. Since the reconstitution potential of CD1a+ cells is uncertain, it is thus preferable to lower the amount of such cells in the population.

The invention also relates to a method for treating an immunosuppressed patient, in particular for the purpose of allowing an immune reconstitution, at least temporarily, in this patient, comprising the step of administering to said patient T-cell progenitors, as described above.

This method may also include the step of obtaining such progenitors by exposing CD34+ cells to a Notch ligand in the presence of TNF-alpha (as described above) and preferably to a protein or peptide having the RGDS motif and/or the CS1 motif, in particular A fibronectin fragment as described above, under the conditions mentioned above.

In particular, a therapeutically effective amount is administered, that is to say of the order of 1 to 5×10⁶ of progenitors per kg, which makes it possible to provide the patient with cells capable of playing a protective role with regard to infections during a few months (of the order of about 6 months).

Preferably, this administration of T cell progenitors is performed just prior to, just after or concomitantly with a hematopoietic stem cell transplant in said patient. As seen above, the injected cells can be transformed by a vector intended to allow the correction of a genetic defect in said patient.

In another embodiment, the T cell progenitors are injected to a patient that doesn't need a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Indeed, it is possible to use the transformed or transduced T cells progenitors to treat some immunodeficiencies, in which only T cells are affected, HIV or cancer patients (using the progenitors modified to lead to CAR-T cells), without the need to perform the immune system depletive chemotherapy.

It is to be noted that the teachings of the invention, as disclosed with TNF-alpha are also applicable with the purine derivative StemRegenin 1 (SR1, disclosed in Boitano et al, Science. 2010 Sep. 10; 329(5997):1345-8). Thus SR1 can be substituted to TNF-alpha (i.e. used in place of TNF-alpha) to obtain T cell progenitors from CD34+ cells, with a beginning of differentiation, and expansion of the cells (increase in the number of cells). The concentration of SR1 is preferably in the range of 750 nM (30 ng/ml), also higher concentration such as 1500 nM or 2500 nM (100 ng/ml), or even 5000 nM (200 ng/ml) or lower such as 500 nM (20 ng/ml) can also be envisaged. When used alone, but particularly in combination with TNF-alpha, much lower concentrations can be used, as low as 3 ng/ml, or 10 ng/ml. Suitable concentrations also include 30 ng/ml or 100 ng/ml. Consequently, any concentration higher than 3 ng/ml, or higher than 10 ng/ml is suitable to increase the differentiation of the CD34+ cells to T-cells progenitors.

SR1 is a ligand (an antagonist) of the Aryl hydrocarbon/Dioxin receptor (AhR). Other AhR antagonists can be used alone, or in combination with TNF-alpha, to promote differentiation of CD34+ cells into the T-cell progenitor lineage. One can cite resveratrol, omeprazole, Luteolin, alpha-naphthoflavone, mexiletine, tranilast, 6,2′,4′-Trimethoxyflavone, CH 223191 (1-Methyl-N-[2-methyl-4-[2-(2-methylphenyl)diazenyl]phenyl-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide, CAS 301326-22-7). The amount of AhR antagonist is to be determined on a case-by-case basis by one of skill in the art, taking into consideration the IC50 of the antagonist (SR1 has an IC50 of 127 nM, whereas CH 223191 has an IC50 of 30 nM) and the fact that some products may have an agonist activity towards the AhR when used at high concentrations (such as alpha-naphthoflavone) or depending of the cellular context (such as omeprazole). In view of the difference in IC50 between SR1 and CH 223191, it is foreseen that an effective concentration of CH 223191 would be well below the effective concentration of SR1, herein disclosed.

Consequently, the invention also relates to

-   -   (i) an in vitro method for generating T cells precursors,         comprising the step of culturing CD34+ cells in a medium         comprising an antagonist of the Aryl hydrocarbon/Dioxin         receptor, in particular StemRegenin 1 (SR1) and in the presence         of an immobilized Notch ligand.     -   (ii) The in vitro method as above, wherein the culture medium         further contains TNF-alpha.     -   (iii) The in vitro method as above, wherein the antagonist of         the Aryl hydrocarbon/Dioxin receptor, in particular SR1, is         present, in the culture medium, from day 0 of the culture.     -   (iv) The in vitro method of any of above, wherein the CD34+         cells have been isolated from an adult donor, or from cord         blood.     -   (v) The in vitro method of any of above, wherein the cells are         cultured in presence of an antagonist of the Aryl         hydrocarbon/Dioxin receptor, in particular SR1, for at most 10         days.     -   (vi) The in vitro method of any of above, wherein the cells are         cultured in presence of the antagonist of the Aryl         hydrocarbon/Dioxin receptor, in particular SR1, between 3 and 7         days.     -   (vii) The in vitro method of any of above, wherein the         antagonist of the Aryl hydrocarbon/Dioxin receptor, in         particular SR1, is added to the medium culture at a         concentration between 1 ng/ml and 300 ng/ml and preferably         higher or equal to 1 ng/ml, or higher or equal to 3 ng/ml, or         higher or equal to 10 ng/ml, and preferably lower than 200         ng/ml, or 150 ng/ml and generally between 3 ng/ml and 100 ng/ml.     -   (viii) The in vitro method of any of above, wherein the Notch         ligand is the soluble domain of the Delta-like-4 ligand, fused         to a Fc region of an IgG protein, preferably an IgG2 protein.     -   (ix) The in vitro method of any of above, wherein the cells are         also exposed to a fibronectin fragment, wherein said fragment         comprises the RGDS and CS-1 patterns as well as a         heparin-binding domain, preferably immobilized on the inner         surface of the culture vessel.     -   (x) The in vitro method of above, wherein the fibronectin         fragment is Retronectin®, as disclosed above.     -   (xi) The in vitro method of any of above, wherein the culture         medium also contains a vector intended for transfection or         transduction of the CD34+ cells, during at least some time of         exposure of the CD34+ cells to the Notch ligand.     -   (xii) The in vitro method of any of above, wherein the culture         medium contains at least three, and preferably all four,         cytokines or growth factors chosen from the group consisting of         Interleukin 7 (IL-7), SCF (Stem Cells Factor), thrombopoietin         (TPO), and Flt3 ligand (FLT3L).     -   (xiii) An (in vitro) method for obtaining T cells progenitors,         comprising the steps of         -   a. performing the method according to any of above and         -   b. purifying the generated T cells progenitors         -   c. optionally conditioning the T cells progenitors in a             pouch for injection to a patient.     -   (xiv) An in vitro method for obtaining transformed T-cells         progenitors, comprising the steps of         -   a. culturing CD34+ cells in a medium comprising an             antagonist of the Aryl hydrocarbon/Dioxin receptor, in             particular SR1, and in the presence of an immobilized Notch             ligand         -   b. exposing the cells to a vector intended for transfection             or transduction of CD34+ cells.     -   (xv) An in vitro method for obtaining modified T-cells         progenitors, comprising the steps of         -   a. culturing CD34+ cells in a medium comprising an             antagonist of the Aryl hydrocarbon/Dioxin receptor, in             particular SR1, and in the presence of an immobilized Notch             ligand         -   b. exposing the cells to a vector or nucleic acid sequences             containing the element appropriate for gene editing.

The invention also relates to a kit for performing any method as indicated above, comprising:

-   -   (i) a coating medium containing a ligand of Notch (in particular         the soluble domain of the Delta-like-ligand, fused to a Fc         region of an IgG protein, in particular a IgG2 protein), and         optionally a fibronectin fragment     -   (ii) a medium adapted for culturing (and/or expanding) CD34+         cells and T cells such as α-MEM, DMEM, RPMI 1640, IMDM, BME,         McCoy's 5A, StemSpan™ SFII (StemCell Technologies) media,         X-VIVO™ medium or Fischer's medium     -   (iii) a progenitor expansion medium containing TNF-alpha and         preferably three cytokines, in particular selected from SCF,         TPO, Flt3L, and IL-7. It is preferred when the progenitor         expansion medium contains TNF-alpha and all four cytokines SCF,         TPO, Flt3L, and IL-7.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a kit comprising the same elements (i) and (ii) as indicated above, and a progenitor expansion medium (iii) which contains an antagonist of the Aryl hydrocarbon/Dioxin receptor, in particular SR1, and preferably three cytokines, in particular selected from SCF, TPO, Flt3L, and IL-7. It is preferred when the progenitor expansion medium contains SR1 and all four cytokines SCF, TPO, Flt3L, and IL-7.

In another embodiment, the progenitor expansion medium (iii) contains TNF-alpha and an antagonist of the Aryl hydrocarbon/Dioxin receptor, in particular SR1, and preferably three cytokines, in particular selected from SCF, TPO, Flt3L, and IL-7. It is preferred when the progenitor expansion medium contains TNF-alpha, SR1 and all four cytokines SCF, TPO, Flt3L, and IL-7.

Such kit is particularly adapted and designed for performing the methods herein disclosed.

The coating medium (i) is first used to coat the walls of a culture vessel.

The medium (ii) is then used to culture CD34+ cells (either obtained from cord blood or from mobilized peripheral blood, in particular from an adult). Such medium is generally and preferably used at a 1× concentration (i.e. it can be used without dilution).

The medium (iii) is generally presented as a 10× dilution (i.e. it has to be diluted in a medium (ii) for use. The reconstituted medium from media (ii) and (iii) is then used to promoter differentiation of the CD34+ cells to T-cell progenitors, in the T-cell lineage, as disclosed above.

The invention also relates to a method for increasing the number of T cells in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject an effective number of progenitor T cells as obtained by a method disclosed herein.

The invention also relates to progenitor T cells as obtained by any method herein disclosed for their use for treating a subject in need of an increased number of T cells.

In particular, the subject is a human.

In particular, the administered progenitor T cells are autologous. In another embodiment, the administered progenitor T cells are allogeneic.

In particular, the subject in need of the increased number of T cells has a medical condition causing or resulting in lymphopenia, in particular cancer, HIV infection, partial thymectomy, autoimmune disease, and/or organ transplant.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1: Total nucleated cells number obtained starting with 20000 CD34+ cells from cord blood (CB, FIG. 1.A) or mobilized peripheral blood (mPB, FIG. 1.B), after 3 days (black bars) and 7 days (cumulative black and grey bars) of culture. NC: not complemented; SR1: addition of StemRegenin 1 (750 nM); TNF-alpha: addition of TNF-alpha (100 ng/ml); + (a), (b), (c): number of cells observed when the complements are added from 0-3 days of culture (a), 0-7 days of culture (b) or 4-7 days of culture (c).

FIG. 2: Number of CD7+ T-cell precursors obtained at day 7 starting with 20000 CD34+ cells from cord blood (CB, FIG. 2.A) or mobilized peripheral blood (mPB, FIG. 2.B). Black bars: CD34+CD7+ cells; grey bars: CD34-CD7+ cells. (a), (b), (c): number of cells observed when the complements are added from 0-3 days of culture (a), 0-7 days of culture (b) or 4-7 days of culture (c).

FIG. 3: Expression of Bcl11b was analyzed on lived cells after 7 days of culture obtained starting with CD34+ cells from cord blood (CB) or mobilized peripheral blood (mPB) cultured in the presence (grey bars) or absence (black bars) of TNF-alpha.

FIG. 4: Combined effect of TNF-alpha and the Notch ligand DL4 on the number of CD7+ cells obtained at day 7 starting from CD34+ cord blood cells (CB, black bars, left) or mobilized peripheral blood (mPB, grey bars, right). (+/−means presence or absence of DL4 or TNF-alpha).

FIG. 5: Frequency of myeloid cells at day 7 obtained starting from CD34+ cells from cord blood (CB) or mobilized peripheral blood (mPB) in presence (grey bars) or not (black bars) of TNF-alpha (Mean±SEM).

FIG. 6: Total CD7+ cells number obtained from day 3 to day 7 in a dose response assay of TNF-alpha, starting with CD34+ cells from cord blood (CB, FIG. 6.A) or mobilized peripheral blood (mPB, FIG. 6.B).

FIG. 7: Proportion of CD34−CD7+ cells (grey bars) vs CD34+CD7+ cells (black bars) in a dose response assay of TNF-alpha starting with CD34+ cells from cord blood (CB, FIG. 7.A) or mobilized peripheral blood (mPB, FIG. 7.B)

FIG. 8: Proportion of cells in the different phases of the cellular cycle. A. CB: cells differentiated from cord blood; B. cells differentiated from mobilized peripheral blood cells. NC: non complemented; TNF-alpha: cultured in presence of TNF-alpha (20 ng/ml); SR1: cultures in presence of SR1 (30 ng/ml)

FIG. 9: percentage (A) and total number (B) of CD5+CD7+ cells cultured starting with CD34+ cells from cord blood in presence of TNF-alpha and/or SR1 at various concentrations, after 7 days of culture.

EXAMPLES Example 1—Material and Methods Human Cells

Cord blood samples not eligible for banking were used for research purposes, following the provision of informed consent by the child's mother. Mobilized Peripheral Blood (mPB) samples were collected from healthy donors after G-CSF mobilization. Samples were directly enriched for CD34+ cells. The informed consent was given by each donor (Biotherapy Department, Necker Hospital, Paris).

Exposure of CD34+ Progenitor Cells to Notch Ligand DL-4

CD34+ cells from human CB or mobilized peripheral blood samples were cultured in 24-well plates or 6-well plates that had been coated with recombinant human fibronection (RetroNectin®, Clontech/Takara) and DL-4 (5 μg/ml, PX′Therapeutics, Grenoble, France). Coating was performed for 2 h at 37° C., DL-4 coated wells were then blocked with bovine serum albumin 2% (BSA) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 30 minutes at 37° C. and washed with PBS. Cultures were initiated at a concentration of 2×10⁴ cells/well or 1×10⁵ cells/well (for 24-well and 6-well plates respectively) in α-MEM medium (Gibco, life Technology), supplemented with NaHCO₃ (7.5%) (Gibco, life Technology) and 20% defined fetal calf serum (Hyclone, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Illkirch, France) and the recombinant human cytokines interleukin-7 (IL-7), Flt3-ligand (Flt-3), stem cell factor (SCF) and thrombopoietin (TPO) (all at 100 ng/ml and all purchased from PeproTech Inc, Rocky Hill, N.J.) with or without TNF-α (R&D Systems, US). After 3 days of culture, the cells were half replaced by fresh medium. Cultured cells were analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) after 3 and 7 days of culture on DL-4 respectively to exclude CD34−/CD7− myeloid cells from subsequent analyses.

In Vitro T Cell Differentiation Assay on OP9/DL1 Cells

The T-lymphoid potential of native CD34+ CB cells and TNF-α induced T cell progenitors generated by exposure to DL-4 was assessed in OP9/DL-1 co-cultures, as previously described (Six et al, Blood Cells Mol Dis. 2011 Jun. 15; 47(1):72-8 and Six J Exp Med. 2007 Dec. 24; 204(13):3085-93).

Quantitative, Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reactions Using RT2 Profiler Array

CD7+ cells were sorted on Ariall after 7 days of culture. Total RNA of sorted cell fractions from day 3 and day 7 was isolated with the Rneasy Micro Kit (Qiagen, Courtaboeuf, France). RT2 Profiler PCR arrays were performed following the protocol detailed in the RT2 Profiler PCR Array Handbook (SA Biosciences, Frederick Md.).

Flow Cytometry Analysis and Cell Sorting

Monoclonal antibodies against human CD34 (AC136), CD3 (BW264/56), CD45 (5B1) were purchased from Miltenyi Biotech (Bergisch Gladbach, Germany), and CD4 (SK4), CD7 (M-T701), CD25 (M-A251), 7-aminoactinomycin D (7AAD) were from BD Biosciences (San José, Calif.). Anti-human CD8 (RPAT8) was from Sony Biotechnology (San Jose, USA). The Anti-human Ctip2 (Bcl11b) antibody was from Abcam (Cambridge, UK).

Human cells were stained and analyzed using a Gallios analyzer (Beckman Coulter, Krefeld, Germany). Cells from xenogenic recipients were analysed on a MACSQuant® apparatus (Miltenyi Biotech, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany). The data were analyzed using FlowJo software (Treestar, Ashland, Oreg.) after gating on viable, 7AAD-negative cells. Cell subsets were sorted on an ARIA II system.

Cell Proliferation Assays

For cell proliferation assays, CD34+ cells from CB and mPB were labeled using the CellTrace™ CFSE kit (Life Technologies, Carlsbad, Calif.) prior to culture with DL-4 and TNF-alpha (Life Technologies). The cells' staining intensity was measured prior to culture each day from day 3 to day 7. CFSE-positive cell were analyzed on a Gallios cytometer (Beckman Coulter).

Cell Cycle Assays

For cell cycle analysis, cells were stained with Hoechst33342 (Life technology) and Ki67-PC5 (BD Bioscience) after fixed with Fixative reagent of PerFix-nc kit (Beckman Coulter) at room temperature for 15 min, and added permeablizing reagent. The data were analyzed using FlowJo software (version 10.2, Treestar, Ashland, Oreg.) after gating on viable, 7AAD-negative cells.

Adoptive Transfer of In Vitro-Generated T-Cell Progenitors Derived from Adult HSPCs into NSG Neonates

All experiments and procedures with animals were performed in compliance with the French Ministry of Agriculture's regulations on animal experiments. The injection of in vitro generated human T-cell progenitors in NSG mice has been approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (APAFIS 2101-2015090411495178v4).

The NSG (NOD-Scid(IL2Rg^(null))) mice (obtained from the Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Me., http://www.jax.org) were kept in a pathogen-free facility. Progeny derived from mPB CD34+ HSPCs in 7-day DL-4 cultures with or without TNF α (3×10⁵ or 1×10⁶) were injected intra-hepatically into NSG neonates (0-4 days old). Control mice were injected with either 3×10⁵ non-cultured mPB CD34+ cells or 100 ul PBS.

Average engraftment levels of NSG mice were determined from 4 to 12 weeks post-transplant. Flow cytometry analysis was performed on freshly cells collected from femur, thymus, peripheral blood and spleen. Cells were treated with 1× red blood cell lysis buffer (Biolegend, US) and washed before stained by antibodies.

Analysis of T Cell Receptor Diversity

TCR gene rearrangement analysis was performed in duplicate and on the two independently purified subsets (average is shown).

TCR-δ quantification (D δ2-D δ3, D δ2-J δ1, and D δ3-J δ1) was performed with the listed sets of primers and probes.

The following were used for D δ2-D δ3 rearrangements:

D δ2, (SEQ ID No 9) 5′-CAAGGAAAGGGAAAAAGGAAGAA-3′; D δ3, (SEQ ID No 10) 5′-TTGCCCCTGCAGTTTTTGTAC-3′; and D′3 probe, (SEQ ID No 11) 5′-ATACGCACAGTGCTACAAAACCTACAGAGACCT-3′.

The following primers and probe were used for D δ2-J δ1 rearrangements:

D δ2, (SEQ ID No 12) 5′-AGCGGGTGGTGATGGCAAAGT-3′; J δ1, (SEQ ID No 13) 5′-TTAGATGGAGGATGCCTTAACCTTA-3′; and J δ1 probe, (SEQ ID No 14) 5′-CCCGTGTGACTGTGGAACCAAGTAAGTAACTC-3′

The following were used for D δ3-J δ1 rearrangements:

D δ3, (SEQ ID No 15) 5′-GACTTGGAGAAAACATCTGGTTCTG-3′;

J δ1 primer and J δ1 probe.

The analysis of TCR rearrangements by multiplex fluorescent PCR was performed by separation of fluorochrome-labeled single stand PCR products in a capillary sequencing polymer and detected via automated laser scanning.

Apoptosis Assays

Cells were washed by cold PBS and resuspended in binding buffer at a concentration of 1 million cells/ml. After adding 5 ul Annexin V-PE (BD Bioscience) and 2 ul 7AAD, cells were incubated in the dark at room temperature for 15 min. Subsequently, cells were washed with 500 ul binding buffer and resuspended in 100 ul binding buffer to be analyzed within 1 hour.

Example 2: Improvement on the Expansion and Differentiation of T-Cell Precursors

When CD34+ cells are cultured with DL-4, FIG. 1 shows that addition of TNF-alpha to the cell culture medium makes it possible to multiply the total number of cells recovered at day 7 by 10 times as compared to culture without TNF-alpha, either when starting with CD34+ cells issued from cord blood (FIG. 1.A) or from PB (FIG. 1.B).

FIG. 2 shows that addition of TNF-alpha to the cell culture medium makes it possible to multiply the number of CD7+ cells in by 20 to 40 times, either when starting with CD34+ cells issued from cord blood (FIG. 2.A) or from PB (FIG. 2.B). The improvement is especially high for the CD34-CD7+ cell population.

Example 3: Analysis of the Surface Markers of the T Cell Progenitors

The surface markers present at the surface of the cells obtained after 7 days of culture were determined by flow cytometry.

Cord blood mPB CD34+ CD34− CD34+ CD34− CD34+ CD34− CD34+ CD34− CD7+ CD7+ CD7− CD7− CD7+ CD7+ CD7− CD7− −TNFα 29.5 38.9 15.4 16.3 15.1 11.3 32.9 40.7 +TNFα 0.39 95.6 0.76 3.22 0.68 90.1 2.75 6.49

Cord blood mPB CD5+ CD5− CD5+ CD5− CD5+ CD5− CD5+ CD5− CD7+ CD7+ CD7− CD7− CD7+ CD7+ CD7− CD7− −TNFα 1.56 66.8 5.10⁻³ 31.6 0.069 26.4 0.027 73.5 +TNFα 0.66 95.4 0.012 3.97 3.01 87.7 0.24 9.00

These tables show that addition of TNF-alpha leads to an increase in the proportion of CD7+ cells, without really increasing the proportion of CD5+ cells.

After 7 day culture, HSPCs differentiate into CD34−CD7+CD5− T-cell precursors.

The surface markers present at the surface of the cells obtained after 10 days of culture were also determined by flow cytometry.

No expression of CD1a was found (data not shown).

The kinetics of modification of the surface markers was studied and it was found that presence of TNF-alpha in the culture medium increases the proportion of CD7+ from day 4 up to day 7 (data not shown).

Example 4: Rearrangement of T Cell Receptors

DL-4 T-cell precursors do not exhibit any signs of TCR rearrangement with or without TNF-alpha or SR1 after 7 days of culture (data not shown).

Specific analysis of rearrangement was performed:

Results of TCRdelta Rearrangements

Detection of Dδ2-Dδ3 rearrangements in CB-NC et CB-SR1. No other TCRdelta rearrangements were detected. Results were in accordance with RQ-PCR quantification

Results of TCRgamma Rearrangements

No TCRgamma rearrangements were detected.

Results of TCRbeta Rearrangements

No TCRbeta rearrangements were detected.

Example 5: T-Commitment of TNF α Induced T-Cell Precusors

Bcl11b is an important transcriptional factor uniquely switched on since T-cell commitment and absolutely required for T-cell differentiation.

Intracellular staining on T-cell precursors cultured with TNF-alpha showed positive expression of Bcl11b for both CD34+ cells issued from cord blood, and mPB. FIG. 3 shows that TNF-alpha increases the proportion of total cells expressing Bcl11b transcription factor. When cultured with TNF-alpha, the proportion of Bcl11b expressing cells was increased.

Example 6: Differentiation on Other Lineages

Presence of other cell surface markers (CD14 and CD33) specific of other lineages was assessed.

FIG. 5 shows that the culture in the presence of TNF-alpha made such cells not detectable, whereas their proportion is less than 22% when CD34+ cells are cultured without TNF-alpha.

Example 7: TNF-Alpha Reduces Apoptosis of the Cells

Apoptosis markers (7AAD and Annexin5) were studied.

7AAD +/− AnnexinV + apoptotic cells (%) CB mPB −TNFα 1.66 10.56 +TNFα 0.28 0.96

This table shows that culture in presence of TNF-alpha reduces the presence of the apoptosis markers. This is particularly apparent for mPB.

Example 8: Dose Response Assay of TNF-Alpha

Various doses of TNF-alpha were used.

FIG. 6 shows that TNFa may increase CD7+ cell numbers during culture, when the concentration is more than 10 ng/ml, either for CB cells (FIG. 6.A) or mPB cells (FIG. 6.B).

Kinetics of the dose response showed that TNF-alpha increases the T-cell differentiation after only 4 days of culture in DL-4. There was no difference between the concentration 10, 50 and 100 ng/ml (not shown).

To determine the threshold of effective concentration, analysis of lower concentrations (0.01-10 ng/ml) was performed.

The effect of TNF-alpha on CB and mPB on T-cell differentiation (percentage of CD34−CD7+ cells) was found to be concentration-dependent at low concentration (FIG. 7). The total number of CD7+ T-cell precursors was not different from 5 ng/ml to 100 ng/ml.

Example 9: Proliferation Analysis During Culture

TNF-alpha was found to increase the proliferation of CD34+CD7+ T-cell precursors since day 3 in DL-4 culture as compared to culture conditions without TNF-alpha (data not shown).

Example 10: Synergy Between TNF-Alpha and the Notch Ligand

FIG. 4 shows that without DL4, both CB and mPB failed to differentiate into CD7+ T-cell precursors. Even the complementation of the medium with TNF-alpha couldn't rescue it.

When both TNF-alpha and the Notch ligand are present, the effect observed is very high. It thus seems that there is a synergy between these two compounds and that the effect of TNF-alpha on T-cell differentiation is likely Notch dependant.

Example 11: Addition of TNF-Alpha Increases Proliferation of CD7+ Progenitors

After 7 days of culture in presence of TNF-alpha, CD34+CD7−, CD34+CD7+ and CD34-CD7+ subsets were sorted, stained with CFSE (Carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester) and the dilution of CFSE (surrogate marker of cell proliferation) was followed from day 8 to 10.

Only CD34+CD7+ and CD34−CD7+ cells show increased proliferation when cultured with TNF-alpha. (Data not shown)

Example 12: Cell Cycle Analysis

Analysis of the cell cycle was performed. It was observed that more cells were released from G0 phase in presence of TNF-alpha on both CB and mPB derived CD7+ progenitors (FIG. 8).

Example 13: Combination of SR1 and TNFa

SR1 accelerates T-cell differentiation as shown by the presence of CD5+CD7+ cells at day 7. The number of CD5+CD7+ cells is increased by the presence of both TNF-alpha and SR1 (FIG. 9).

Example 14: In Vivo Data

T-cell precursors induced in presence of TNF-alpha may largely fasten the reconstitution of the T-lineage in vivo.

Indeed, 4 weeks post-transplantation, recipient mice injected with mPB T-cell precursors produced in the presence of TNF-alpha have larger thymus than mice injected with mPB T-cell precursors produced without TNF-alpha. T-cell precursors induced in presence of TNF-alpha can differentiate to activated TCRαβ T cells within 4 weeks in vivo. (Data not shown)

In summary, addition of TNF-alpha from day 0 in the DL-4 culture system leads to an increase of T-cell progenitors (defined by the surface expression of CD7) of 40 fold for mPB HSPC and 20 fold for CB HSPC at day 7.

The CD7+ T-cell progenitors generated from both CB and mPB were mostly CD34− and were CD1a negative. Cells were also mostly CD5 negative.

They expressed Bcl11b, which is important fine-turning molecular for T-commitment and further T-cell differentiation.

They did not exhibit any signs of T-cell receptor rearrangements.

Their phenotype and molecular characteristics were similar to the one of the CD34−CD7+ T-cell progenitors obtained without TNF-alpha.

Regarding the mechanisms involved in TNF-alpha action, TNF-alpha decreases expression of apoptosis markers and increases cell proliferation during the culture. It also inhibits myeloid cell production.

The use of TNF-alpha in the DL4 culture system increase to a huge extent the amounts of T-cell progenitors produced from both human adult and cord blood HSPC. It may thus overcome the difficulty to obtain large amounts of T-cell progenitors from adult HSPC. It may also decrease the number of starting HSPC required in future clinical trials and the quantity of GMP grade and other reagents required, thus decreasing the costs of production of these T-cell progenitors. 

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. An in vitro method for generating T cells precursors, comprising the step of culturing CD34+ cells in a medium comprising TNF-alpha and/or an antagonist of the Aryl hydrocarbon/Dioxin receptor, in particular StemRegenin 1 (SR1), and in the presence of an immobilized Notch ligand.
 22. The in vitro method of claim 21, wherein the Notch ligand is immobilized on the inner surface of a culture vessel or on the surface of beads present in the culture medium.
 23. The in vitro method of claim 21, wherein TNF-alpha and/or the antagonist of the Aryl hydrocarbon/Dioxin receptor is present, in the culture medium, from day 0 of the culture.
 24. The in vitro method of claim 21, wherein TNF-alpha is present, in the culture medium, at a concentration higher or equal to 3 ng/ml and/or wherein the antagonist of the Aryl hydrocarbon/Dioxin receptor is present, in the culture medium, at a concentration higher or equal to 30 ng/ml.
 25. The in vitro method of claim 21, wherein the CD34+ cells have been isolated from an adult donor.
 26. The in vitro method of claim 21, wherein the cells are cultured in the presence of TNF-alpha and/or SR1 for at most 10 days.
 27. The in vitro method of claim 21, wherein the cells are cultured in the presence of TNF-alpha and/or SR1 for between 3 and 7 days.
 28. The in vitro method of claim 21, wherein the Notch ligand is the soluble domain of the Delta-like-4 ligand, fused to an Fc region of an IgG protein.
 29. The in vitro method of claim 21, wherein the cells are also exposed to a fibronectin fragment, wherein said fragment comprises the RGDS and CS-1 patterns as well as a heparin-binding domain, preferably immobilized on the inner surface of the culture vessel or on beads.
 30. The in vitro method of claim 21, wherein the cells are also exposed to a fibronectin fragment, wherein the fibronectin fragment is RETRONECTIN®.
 31. The in vitro method of claim 21, wherein the culture medium also contains a vector intended for transfection or transduction of the CD34+ cells, during at least some time of exposure of the CD34+ cells to the Notch ligand.
 32. The in vitro method of claim 31, wherein the vector intended for transfection or transduction of the CD34+ cells is a transgene that codes for a Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR).
 33. The in vitro method of claim 21, further comprising the step(s) of: a. purifying the generated T cells progenitors, and b. optionally conditioning the T cells progenitors in a pouch for injection into a patient.
 34. The in vitro method of claim 21, further comprising the step of: exposing the cells to a vector intended for transfection or transduction of CD34+ cells.
 35. The in vitro method of claim 21, further comprising the step of: exposing the cells to a vector or nucleic acid sequences containing the element appropriate for gene editing.
 36. A CD7+ T cell progenitors population wherein the proportion of cells that are CD34− and CD1a− or CD34− and CD5−, or CD34− and CD1a− and CD5− in this population is higher than 80%.
 37. The CD7+ T cell progenitors population according to claim 36, expressing a CAR.
 38. A method for increasing the number of T cells in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering progenitor T cells according to claim 36 to a subject.
 39. The method of claim 38, for treating lymphopenia.
 40. The method of claim 38, for treating cancer, HIV infection, partial thymectomy, autoimmune disease, and/or organ transplant. 